Innovative Start-Up Finds Sustainable Way to Produce Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are widely consumed by people to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other illnesses. However, the majority of supplements are derived from cod and other fish species, leading to overfishing and the capture of over 100 million tons of fish annually. To address this issue, researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a process that can produce Omega-3 fatty acids using environmental bacteria. The sustainable source aims to reduce ocean overfishing by using an advanced precision fermentation process to extract the fatty acids from bacterial extracts instead of fish. The bacteria were discovered in Australian soils and waters, and the scientists have since founded the company BiomeMega to further their research.
Dr. Gustavo De Cerqueira, the founder of BiomeMega, stated that while fatty fish are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, marine and soil-based bacteria are also sources of these acids. However, extracting these acids from bacteria has been a significant challenge. BiomeMega’s unique process effectively releases previously inaccessible Omega-3 fatty acids from lactic acid bacteria, using an innovative and precise approach to deliver the supplement to the areas of the human body where Omega-3 is needed, such as certain organs. The start-up is currently seeking funding to test the bacterial Omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement and therapeutic agent.
BiomeMega will continue its research with the University of Sydney and other academic partners, hoping to meet regulatory requirements and bring a market-ready product to market within the next four years. This innovative approach to producing Omega-3 fatty acids has the potential to reduce the impact of overfishing on the environment while providing a sustainable source of this essential nutrient.
